Drunken Pagan Weirdos
20-07-2007, 21:56
(OOC: Seems like I almost have to keep reposting the same factbook every time, doesn't it? Sheesh. :p Ah, well. For those of you that have never read this factbook, enjoy. Or not. Your choice. Oh, and just to make sure you get it: this is for Earth Survival. If you ain't an ES member, you probably don't want to post here. Just so ya know.)
DPW Factbook/Diplomacy/Whatever Thread
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Drunken Pagan Weirdos: Where the living is easy, the people are friendly, and the beer is cheap.
Introduction
The Socialist Federation of Drunken Pagan Weirdos is a small nation, notable for its unique levels of personal freedom, strongly democratic government, 100% income tax rates, high living standards, and complete absence of drug laws. Though the nation is socialist through-and-through, the majority of the people aren’t particularly ideological; they just like the system as it is, and dislike being mentioned in the same sentence with commie revolutionaries running around in the jungle or any of that radicalist nonsense.
Although the name of the nation may make it seem as though the government sponsors paganism, there is total freedom of religion - all citizens are allowed to honor and worship any god(s) they choose, or none at all. However, the other parts of the nation's name mean something - since alcohol is incredibly cheap, large percentages of the public are at least moderately drunk at any given time. And they're all a bunch of weirdoes.
Below are some quick facts about the nation.
RL Nations: The Netherlands, Luxembourg
Population (2007 estimate): 17,050,835
Languages: Dutch, German, Luxembourgish (Luxembourg only)
Gross Domestic Product (nominal): 665,848,000,000
GDP per capita (nominal): $40,050.76
Monetary Unit: Mulong (฿1.00 = NS$1.71)
Government Type: Federal Socialist Republic
Head of State: Chancellor Andries Jansen
Head of Government: a 7-member Executive Council (Chancellor included)
“Political” Capital and Seat of Government: Athkatla (RL The Hague)
“Cultural” Capital: Augustgrad (RL Amsterdam)
Motto: Allen zijn gelijk onder hemel (“All are equal under heaven”)
National Anthem: “Out On The Tiles”
Political System
Government
There are three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. In addition, any citizen may petition the government in order to introduce and pass a law, challenge a law, remove government officials from office, or amend the Constitution; if a certain amount of signatures are obtained (and, in the case of a possible constitutional amendment, a majority of state legislatures vote in favor of the amendment), the law, dismissal, or amendment goes into immediate effect. Thus, Drunken Pagan Weirdos is, in a way, considered to be a direct democracy.
The Chancellor is the Head of State, elected by direct popular vote every four years. He (or she) can dissolve the Legislature, though such an action must be approved by at least 40% of the Monitor Council. The Chancellor is also the head member of the Executive Council.
The Executive Council is made up of seven members, six of which are appointed by the federal legislature every four years with consultation from the Chancellor. (The Chancellor himself is the seventh member, and is considered the head of the council.) Each Council member heads a different government department (Finance, Defense, etc). Once installed, a Council member cannot be removed from office unless 75% of the DPA votes for his or her removal or though a citizen petition. The Council members are the collective Head of Government. They hold veto power over the DPA, though vetoes can be overridden.
The Drunken Pagan Assembly (DPA) is the unicameral legislative body of the nation. Each state receives 15 representatives in the DPA, for a total of 135 representatives. It can pass laws, amend the Constitution, decide the national budget, and remove any publicly elected official from office. Passed laws can be vetoed by the Executive Council, but vetoes can be overridden with a 75% plurality. Members are elected every four years.
The Federal Court is the only national court of Drunken Pagan Weirdos. The Judicial branch is mainly concentrated in the state governments, and the Federal Court exists primarily to be the highest court of appeals in this system. It also hears cases of national importance and interprets the Constitution. There are 15 judges, elected for eight year terms by direct public vote. Judges cannot be removed by the DPA, but can be removed by citizen petition.
Major Political Parties
Pan-Socialist Coalition (PSC): A broad grouping of socialist and leftist parties; currently the party in power.
Drunken Pagan Communist Party (DPCP): A Trotskyist group that is far more ideological than the PSC.
Mario Party (MP): Favors a switch to a slightly-more-conservative Scandinavian economic system, with limited private control of business.
Party For A Capitalist And Fiscally Responsible Government (PCG): Libertarian; receives little popular support.
Drunken Fascists United (DFU): A socially right-wing, totalitarian group sympathetic to the Fascist ideals of old. Also receives little popular support.
Executive Council Members
Chancellor and Foreign Affairs Councilor: Mr. Andries Jansen, PSC
Finance and Labor Councilor: Mr. Gerhard Van Halen, DPCP
Internal Affairs Councilor: Mr. Pieter De Jong, PSC
Health Care Councilor: Mrs. Xandra Visser, Mario Party
Defense Councilor: Mrs. Sophie Meijer, PSC
Education Councilor: Mr. Jurgen Gruber, PSC
Development and Transportation Councilor: Mrs. Isabella Pioche, DPCP
A Brief History
The area now known as Drunken Pagan Weirdos has passed between control of French and German empires for centuries. It was in 1312 that the nation (comprised of both the modern nation and Belgium) became independent, when a corsair and highwayman named Magnus Achaikos, bringing a ragtag army of drunken pagan weirdoes under his control, fought off the nation's oppressors. He named the country after his militia, declaring himself Emperor Magnus I of Drunken Pagan Weirdos. (It seemed like a good idea at the time.)
The Achaikos dynasty, which ran unbroken from the nation's founding to the transformation into a republic, encouraged heavy trade and commerce with other nations, and the country prospered because of it. But after the rebellion of the lands that now make up the nation of Belgium in 1809, the last Emperor abdicated in shame, and the remaining parts of the nation became a socialist republic. It quickly developed into one of the most proudly liberal democracies in the world as new government began to turn the nation into even more of an international-minded community, meaning that much cultural contact has transpired between DPW (as the nation is affectionately known by its citizens) and other countries of the world. Today Drunken Pagan Weirdos prides itself on being an open and liberal culture that all world citizens are invited to share, whether by permanent relocation to the country or merely through a vacation!
Tourist Attractions
The 1337 Socialist Beach Party
This is a humongous party/orgy that spontaneously springs up every Wednesday at a random beach somewhere in the nation. It is an honored national tradition, started in 1337 by Drunken Pagan Emperor Magnus II to commemorate his fifth marriage, and it became tradition for all Emperors thereafter to marry during the festivities. After the establishment of the Federation, its purpose was shifted towards promoting socialism and getting chicks to take their shirts off for beads, and today it is a popular tourist attraction/family vacation destination. Be there or be square!
Drugs and Alcohol
Drunken Pagan Weirdos is renowned by drunkards and stoners the world over as the only place in which they can truly be free, as there are no prohibitions on the manufacture, sale, transport, possession, or consumption of drugs of any kind. Alcohol, especially, is a vital and inalienable part of the local culture, and more often than not a majority of the population is at least moderately drunk. Use of these substances is allowed both within the home and in nearly all restaurants and bars that provide a safe and mostly consequence-free environment. It is our hope that foreigners will continue to take advantage of the freedom to use substances that are unobtainable in their home countries! (The DPW Tourist Authority does not condone the trafficking of drugs from our country into any nation that does not permit them, as this may cause unwanted and unneeded problems.)
Cultural Capital Augustgrad
Augustgrad is well-known throughout the country for being a beautiful city of canals, vegetation, and a relaxed attitude. Originally a thriving hub for international trade and commerce in the 1500's, 1600's, and 1700's, Augustgrad is a modern city with many gems, both hidden and out in the open, for tourists to uncover. Rent a boat and have a romantic ride through the canals, take a tour through the many magnificent Cultural Museums, visit the multiple open-air markets, or just sit back, relax, and have a psychedelic experience in any of the fine bars located only a short walk away from any hotel!
Crossroads City Luxembourg
Sandwiched in-between several large European nations, Luxembourg City is truly a cultural crossroads where traditions from all of Western Europe are blended and mixed. You'll find that the city's inhabitants very often speak four or more languages fluently! Luxembourg also holds a traditional charm due to its picturesque landscapes and fairytale castles, all kept in pristine condition.
DPW Factbook/Diplomacy/Whatever Thread
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Cloud_Strife_X/NS%20Pics/dpw_large-1.jpg
Drunken Pagan Weirdos: Where the living is easy, the people are friendly, and the beer is cheap.
Introduction
The Socialist Federation of Drunken Pagan Weirdos is a small nation, notable for its unique levels of personal freedom, strongly democratic government, 100% income tax rates, high living standards, and complete absence of drug laws. Though the nation is socialist through-and-through, the majority of the people aren’t particularly ideological; they just like the system as it is, and dislike being mentioned in the same sentence with commie revolutionaries running around in the jungle or any of that radicalist nonsense.
Although the name of the nation may make it seem as though the government sponsors paganism, there is total freedom of religion - all citizens are allowed to honor and worship any god(s) they choose, or none at all. However, the other parts of the nation's name mean something - since alcohol is incredibly cheap, large percentages of the public are at least moderately drunk at any given time. And they're all a bunch of weirdoes.
Below are some quick facts about the nation.
RL Nations: The Netherlands, Luxembourg
Population (2007 estimate): 17,050,835
Languages: Dutch, German, Luxembourgish (Luxembourg only)
Gross Domestic Product (nominal): 665,848,000,000
GDP per capita (nominal): $40,050.76
Monetary Unit: Mulong (฿1.00 = NS$1.71)
Government Type: Federal Socialist Republic
Head of State: Chancellor Andries Jansen
Head of Government: a 7-member Executive Council (Chancellor included)
“Political” Capital and Seat of Government: Athkatla (RL The Hague)
“Cultural” Capital: Augustgrad (RL Amsterdam)
Motto: Allen zijn gelijk onder hemel (“All are equal under heaven”)
National Anthem: “Out On The Tiles”
Political System
Government
There are three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. In addition, any citizen may petition the government in order to introduce and pass a law, challenge a law, remove government officials from office, or amend the Constitution; if a certain amount of signatures are obtained (and, in the case of a possible constitutional amendment, a majority of state legislatures vote in favor of the amendment), the law, dismissal, or amendment goes into immediate effect. Thus, Drunken Pagan Weirdos is, in a way, considered to be a direct democracy.
The Chancellor is the Head of State, elected by direct popular vote every four years. He (or she) can dissolve the Legislature, though such an action must be approved by at least 40% of the Monitor Council. The Chancellor is also the head member of the Executive Council.
The Executive Council is made up of seven members, six of which are appointed by the federal legislature every four years with consultation from the Chancellor. (The Chancellor himself is the seventh member, and is considered the head of the council.) Each Council member heads a different government department (Finance, Defense, etc). Once installed, a Council member cannot be removed from office unless 75% of the DPA votes for his or her removal or though a citizen petition. The Council members are the collective Head of Government. They hold veto power over the DPA, though vetoes can be overridden.
The Drunken Pagan Assembly (DPA) is the unicameral legislative body of the nation. Each state receives 15 representatives in the DPA, for a total of 135 representatives. It can pass laws, amend the Constitution, decide the national budget, and remove any publicly elected official from office. Passed laws can be vetoed by the Executive Council, but vetoes can be overridden with a 75% plurality. Members are elected every four years.
The Federal Court is the only national court of Drunken Pagan Weirdos. The Judicial branch is mainly concentrated in the state governments, and the Federal Court exists primarily to be the highest court of appeals in this system. It also hears cases of national importance and interprets the Constitution. There are 15 judges, elected for eight year terms by direct public vote. Judges cannot be removed by the DPA, but can be removed by citizen petition.
Major Political Parties
Pan-Socialist Coalition (PSC): A broad grouping of socialist and leftist parties; currently the party in power.
Drunken Pagan Communist Party (DPCP): A Trotskyist group that is far more ideological than the PSC.
Mario Party (MP): Favors a switch to a slightly-more-conservative Scandinavian economic system, with limited private control of business.
Party For A Capitalist And Fiscally Responsible Government (PCG): Libertarian; receives little popular support.
Drunken Fascists United (DFU): A socially right-wing, totalitarian group sympathetic to the Fascist ideals of old. Also receives little popular support.
Executive Council Members
Chancellor and Foreign Affairs Councilor: Mr. Andries Jansen, PSC
Finance and Labor Councilor: Mr. Gerhard Van Halen, DPCP
Internal Affairs Councilor: Mr. Pieter De Jong, PSC
Health Care Councilor: Mrs. Xandra Visser, Mario Party
Defense Councilor: Mrs. Sophie Meijer, PSC
Education Councilor: Mr. Jurgen Gruber, PSC
Development and Transportation Councilor: Mrs. Isabella Pioche, DPCP
A Brief History
The area now known as Drunken Pagan Weirdos has passed between control of French and German empires for centuries. It was in 1312 that the nation (comprised of both the modern nation and Belgium) became independent, when a corsair and highwayman named Magnus Achaikos, bringing a ragtag army of drunken pagan weirdoes under his control, fought off the nation's oppressors. He named the country after his militia, declaring himself Emperor Magnus I of Drunken Pagan Weirdos. (It seemed like a good idea at the time.)
The Achaikos dynasty, which ran unbroken from the nation's founding to the transformation into a republic, encouraged heavy trade and commerce with other nations, and the country prospered because of it. But after the rebellion of the lands that now make up the nation of Belgium in 1809, the last Emperor abdicated in shame, and the remaining parts of the nation became a socialist republic. It quickly developed into one of the most proudly liberal democracies in the world as new government began to turn the nation into even more of an international-minded community, meaning that much cultural contact has transpired between DPW (as the nation is affectionately known by its citizens) and other countries of the world. Today Drunken Pagan Weirdos prides itself on being an open and liberal culture that all world citizens are invited to share, whether by permanent relocation to the country or merely through a vacation!
Tourist Attractions
The 1337 Socialist Beach Party
This is a humongous party/orgy that spontaneously springs up every Wednesday at a random beach somewhere in the nation. It is an honored national tradition, started in 1337 by Drunken Pagan Emperor Magnus II to commemorate his fifth marriage, and it became tradition for all Emperors thereafter to marry during the festivities. After the establishment of the Federation, its purpose was shifted towards promoting socialism and getting chicks to take their shirts off for beads, and today it is a popular tourist attraction/family vacation destination. Be there or be square!
Drugs and Alcohol
Drunken Pagan Weirdos is renowned by drunkards and stoners the world over as the only place in which they can truly be free, as there are no prohibitions on the manufacture, sale, transport, possession, or consumption of drugs of any kind. Alcohol, especially, is a vital and inalienable part of the local culture, and more often than not a majority of the population is at least moderately drunk. Use of these substances is allowed both within the home and in nearly all restaurants and bars that provide a safe and mostly consequence-free environment. It is our hope that foreigners will continue to take advantage of the freedom to use substances that are unobtainable in their home countries! (The DPW Tourist Authority does not condone the trafficking of drugs from our country into any nation that does not permit them, as this may cause unwanted and unneeded problems.)
Cultural Capital Augustgrad
Augustgrad is well-known throughout the country for being a beautiful city of canals, vegetation, and a relaxed attitude. Originally a thriving hub for international trade and commerce in the 1500's, 1600's, and 1700's, Augustgrad is a modern city with many gems, both hidden and out in the open, for tourists to uncover. Rent a boat and have a romantic ride through the canals, take a tour through the many magnificent Cultural Museums, visit the multiple open-air markets, or just sit back, relax, and have a psychedelic experience in any of the fine bars located only a short walk away from any hotel!
Crossroads City Luxembourg
Sandwiched in-between several large European nations, Luxembourg City is truly a cultural crossroads where traditions from all of Western Europe are blended and mixed. You'll find that the city's inhabitants very often speak four or more languages fluently! Luxembourg also holds a traditional charm due to its picturesque landscapes and fairytale castles, all kept in pristine condition.